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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesC44.591

C44.591

Billable

Other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of breast

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 C44.591 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of breast.

Key Diagnostic Point:

C44.591 refers to a malignant neoplasm of the skin located on the breast that does not fall into the more commonly classified categories of skin cancer, such as melanoma or basal cell carcinoma. This code encompasses a variety of skin cancers that may arise due to factors such as sun exposure, genetic predisposition, or other environmental influences. The breast skin is particularly susceptible to malignancies due to its exposure to UV radiation, which can lead to DNA damage and subsequent tumor formation. Surgical management often involves excision of the tumor with clear margins to ensure complete removal and minimize recurrence. Reconstruction may be necessary depending on the extent of the excision, and this can involve various techniques, including flap surgery or grafting. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate treatment planning and reimbursement, as well as for tracking the incidence of skin cancers in this specific anatomical location.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of skin lesions
  • Differentiation from other skin cancers
  • Need for precise surgical margin documentation
  • Potential for reconstruction procedures

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of tumor type
  • Lack of clarity on surgical margins
  • Insufficient details on reconstruction procedures
  • Misclassification of skin lesions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the lesion, biopsy results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and treatment of skin lesions, including biopsies and excisions.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of margins and any additional procedures performed.

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive treatment plans, including chemotherapy or radiation if applicable.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of skin cancers, including staging and follow-up care.

Billing Considerations

Document any systemic treatments and their effects on the skin lesions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C44.591 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, C44
  • 591 should be used when the specific type of malignant neoplasm is documented
  • It is important to ensure that the diagnosis is confirmed through histopathological examination
  • specified malignant neoplasms

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C44.591 When
  • Exclusions include benign skin lesions and non

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

11600CPT Code

Excision, malignant skin lesion

Clinical Scenario

Used when excising a malignant neoplasm of the breast skin.

Documentation Requirements

Document size, location, and margins of the excised lesion.

Specialty Considerations

Dermatologists should ensure detailed operative notes.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, improving data accuracy and treatment tracking. C44.591 provides a distinct code for malignant neoplasms of the breast skin, enhancing the granularity of cancer registries and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, improving data accuracy and treatment tracking. C44.591 provides a distinct code for malignant neoplasms of the breast skin, enhancing the granularity of cancer registries and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of skin cancers, improving data accuracy and treatment tracking. C44.591 provides a distinct code for malignant neoplasms of the breast skin, enhancing the granularity of cancer registries and treatment outcomes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Dermatology

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of skin cancers are included under C44.591?

C44.591 includes various specified malignant neoplasms of the skin on the breast that do not fit into more common categories like melanoma or basal cell carcinoma. It is essential to refer to pathology reports for accurate classification.